HPMRS RAILDATE 12 Sep 08


News

RAILDATE: the weekly newsletter of the Hursley Park Model Railway Society: http://www.ibmhursleyclub.org.uk/ss/hpmrs/

NETWATCH


The Weardale and Dartmoor railways have been acquired from Ealing Community Transport by British American Railway Services Limited, a subsidiary of Iowa Pacific Holdings, a Chicago-based company that owns a number of short lines in the southern United States with over 700 miles of track, 180 employees, and a current annual turnover rate in excess of $40 million (US). Iowa Pacific handles over 35,000 annual freight carloads and over 75,000 annual passenger trips in six states, with additional subsidiaries that repair freight and passenger cars, and operate first-class mainline passenger tours.

Dartmoor Railway operates a 17-mile freight and passenger line in the South-West of England, serving Okehampton and Meldon Quarry. Weardale Railway owns an 18-mile line in County Durham between Bishop Auckland and Eastgate, with heritage passenger services presently operating between Wolsingham and Stanhope.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7600061.stm http://www.iowapacific.net/

(Spotters: various)


Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway SOS Appeal Update 1

This week has seen further press coverage of the threats to the SKLR. Articles have appeared in Heritage Railway, Railway Magazine and Steam Railway. Locally, further articles have appeared in the East Kent Gazette and Kent Messenger Newspapers. Meridian TV has reshown its report on its evening news, and also during GM TV.

A fighting fund has been launched to pay for the campaign and, hopefully, the purchase of the land, and an account has been set up at: http://www.justgiving.com/sklr

If you would like to discuss your donation please email info@sklr.net and they will get back to you. (Any surplus funds will be used for the benefit and improvement of the SKLR.) Campaign T-shirts are now available from the railway at £7.00 (£6.00 to members) and can be obtained from the shop at Kemsley or by post (cost of postage and packing is £1.50 + 50p for each additional T-shirt) by phoning 0871 222 1569 (have your credit card details ready).

The society is planning a display in a closed shop in Sittingbourne High Street and also a public petition - further details as they become available. Several people have asked who else they can write to, so these addresses might be useful:

Swale Borough Council, Swale House, East Street, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 3HT. Leader Andrew Bowles (leader@swale.gov.uk)

Sittingbourne & Sheppey MP, Derek Wyatt, 5 London Road, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 1NQ (wyattd@parliament.uk)

M-real UK Services Limited, Unit A Compass North, Pembroke Road, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4YG

If you live in Swale you can contact: - your local Swale Borough Councillor - for contact details go to: http://www.swale.gov.uk/dso/CouncillorsBy.asp?SortOrder=Ward - your Kent County Councillor - for contact details go to: http://www.swale.gov.uk/dso/County_councillors.asp


What else could possibly be as good as a Hastings DEMU... ? BEER, that's what. So says Darren Cafferty, who has just taken over a group which he is relaunching as a Beer & Train lovers group. The focus will primarily be on real ale, cloudy old gut-rot cider, and what was the old BR(S) region. If you're interested then look up and subscribe to it: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/thumpersandbeer/ (Spotter: Nick Wheat)


Due to redevelopment, the Pullman sheds at Brighton have had to be cleared of several items of rolling stock awaiting restoration. Unfortunately, some might go for scrap, but a fascinating set of pictures of the "Brighton exodus" has been posted on the net (I'm amazed at how they got the Weltrol out...!) http://bens-railway.fotopic.net/c1577125.html


The Crystal Palace High Level branch is being incorporated into London's long distance footpath network. The inaugural, fully-guided, walk of 5.8 miles will take place on Tuesday 16th. Various local dignitaries and the press will be at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Meet at Nunhead Station at 2.00pm. If anyone would like to come along, just turn up.


There have been several recent updates to the DJ Norton website of steam-age pictures around the Birmingham area: http://www.photobydjnorton.com/

Everything on Rails: http://johnlawontherails.fotopic.net/

Steam - BR and Beyond: http://www.hurstmereclose.freeserve.co.uk/html/steam_-_br_and_beyond-.html

Where the editor spent part of his holiday: http://www.alderneyrailway.com/


Italian steam, including Crosti-boilered locos in action: http://picasaweb.google.com/valeriogabbani/LocomotiveAVapore?feat=featured#

(Spotter: Richard Walker)


The Lincoln and District Engineering Society 75th Anniversary open weekend is on Sat/Sun 20th/21st September 2008. Gates open at 10.00am at North Scarle Playing Fields, LN6 9ER (shown on the Ordnance Survey map). The society has a ground level track, approx 2000 feet long, with 7.25- and 5-inch gauges. Atractions include craft stalls, live steam and diesel locomotives, full size and miniature traction engines, model displays and engineering supplies, classic & vintage cars and motorcycles, refreshments and Bar. Admission charges and train fares apply.


Ralph Rawlinson's Railway Round-up...

West Coast Main Line: Despite the progress made with possessions so far this year the new timetable commencing on 14th December might have to be phased in. A few trains may not be introduced until January to lessen the impact on services.

Rugby: Network Rail's contractors took a major three-day possession over the August Bank Holiday, allowing Rugby's all new up island platforms 5 and 6 to come into use on August 27. Platform 5 can accommodate 11 coaches and is used by Virgin Pendolinos, whilst platform 6 can accommodate only 8 and is used by LM Desiros. All down trains continue to use platform 1 if stopping and the down fast if not. Until last year the station possessed only two through platforms and when the refurbishment of these (now 2 and 4) is complete it will have five through platforms and a south facing bay (No 3).

Milton Keynes: New platform construction has also been taking place during August at Milton Keynes. Part of the up platform has been removed in preparation for a new south bay to serve Bedford trains extended from Bletchley.

Liverpool - Glasgow: It is quite a few years since there was a regular service of through trains between Liverpool and Glasgow or indeed anywhere (other than Barrow) north of Lancaster. In March this year Renaissance Trains (RT) submitted plans for three Liverpool-Glasgow trains seven days a week but Network Rail claims that the paths conflict with re-timed services. RT, which is currently negotiating the necessary funding for start-up costs, hopes to identify new timings that are acceptable. http://www.renaissancetrains.com/

Gretna Jn - Annan: Redoubling of the 8-mile section of the G&SW between Gretna Junction and Annan was completed in early August. This route is heavily use by coal trains and completion of the £35m scheme will give more flexibility. Included in the scheme was the provision of a second platform and a footbridge at Gretna Green station.

Dublin - Luas: The previous report on the Red Line (west - east) should have mentioned that it is closed at present between Abbey Street and Connolly station for the extension to the Docklands to be built. That was significance of the accompanying video.

Denmark - Germany: The new ICE-TD (diesel intercity express) services between Denmark and Germany are reported to be a success. There has been a big increase in loadings on the on the international routes on which they are used.

Switzerland: The 38 mile Bernina line operated by the Rhätische Bahn (RhB), which runs from St Moritz to Torino and features many viaducts and tunnels, has been designated a World Heritage Site. It is the second RhB route to gain such status following listing of the Albula line earlier this year.

Russia: The long awaited heavy-rail link between Moscow and its Sheremetjevo International airport was inaugurated on June 10.

China: This month China is launching a new luxury service on the 2,834-mile Qinghai-Tibet railway (opened July 2006). Each 12-coach train will include two dining cars, an observation coach and private suites with bathrooms for just 96 passengers paying 20 times the normal fare!

A test train on the new Beijing-Tianjin High Speed Line (see Raildate 8th August) has set a new speed record for Chinese conventional trains. On June 24 a Siemens designed 'Velaro' CHR3 high speed train reached 245mph (394.3kph).


IN THE NEWS

Lorry fire in Channel Tunnel: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7611622.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7610919.stm

Photo exhibition at St Pancras: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7603508.stm

Unofficial cooking on train at Preston: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/7604280.stm

Mobile phones on the Glasgow Subway: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7606973.stm

Fatal accident in Croydon involving bus and tram: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7602748.stm http://tinyurl.com/4efdxj

Delays in North East due to Bradway Tunnel engineering works: http://tinyurl.com/46tzbt

Scrapyard fire at Trowbridge closed railway line: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wiltshire/7609188.stm

Increased traffic on the Barnstaple line: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7598447.stm

Angry Argentine commuters torch train in rush hour: http://tinyurl.com/5fv563

First Group bus fleetlist for sale: http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/southwest/hampshire/fleetlist/index.php

Bus accident in Lancaster: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/7610326.stm

Portrush airshow: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/7602778.stm

XL in administration: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7611639.stm

And Futura: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/humber/7610252.stm

And nearly Alitalia: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7610482.stm

And nearly Zoom: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7604866.stm

The Box - BBC tracking a 40ft container for a year: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7600180.stm#pics

Spotters: Neil Kearns, Reg Nerps, Nick Wheat


TV and Radio

Sat Sep 13 1230-1330 Five 'Megastructures: Extreme Bridge Demolition'
Sat Sep 13 1800-1900 BBC2 'Coast' Bournemouth to Plymouth

Events

See Mainline Steam Tours page for up-to-date info on many of these tours, and others, often with timings.

For up-to-date information on many of the tours mentioned in Raildate (and others) often with timings, see the Steam Tours pages at: http://www.uksteam.info/index.shtml and also http://railwayherald.co.uk/railtours/
All details are correct to the best of my knowledge. No responsibility is taken for inaccuracies or changes.
Fri Sep 12 - Sat Sep 13 ? Swanage Railway: Grand Steam Gala & Vintage Transport Rally http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/
Fri Sep 12 - Sun Sep 14 1930-2200(Fri) 1000-1600(Sat) 1000-1600(Sun) Isle of Purbeck MRG Exhibition
Harmans Cross Village Hall, Dorset 1930-2200 (Fri), 1000-1600 (Sat), 1000-1600 (Sun)
Fri Sep 12 - Sun Sep 14 ? Mid Hants Railway: Big Four Steam Gala http://www.watercressline.co.uk/
Sat Sep 13 1030-1700 Fordingbridge Model Railway Exhibition
Woodgreen Village Hall, Woodgreen, nr Fordingbridge, Hants 1030-1700
Sat Sep 13 1100-1630 Broad Gauge Model Railway Exhibition
St Nicholas Church Hall, Newbury, Berkshire 1100-1630 http://www.broadgauge.org.uk
Sat Sep 13 ? Historical Model Railway Society: LMS Conference 'Researching and Modelling the LMS and its Constituents'
The HMRS Museum & Study Centre, Butterley, Derbyshire
Doors open at 10.00am, presentations commence at 10.20am
Lunch and refreshments available - ends around tea-time
Tickets are FREE and can be obtained by writing (and enclosing an SAE) to: HMRS LMS Conference, Study Centre
Manager, HMRS Museum & Study Centre, The Midland Railway ?
Butterley, Butterley Station, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3QZ
Sat Sep 13 - Sun Sep 14 ? Eastleigh Lakeside Railway: Day Out with Underground Ernie http://www.steamtrain.co.uk/
Sat Sep 13 - Sun Sep 14 0900-1800 Romsey Signal Box Heritage Open Days
Admission free (donations welcome!) 0900-1800
Romsey Infants School, Plaza Parade, Winchester Rd, Romsey
Car park in school grounds http://www.romseysignalbox.org.uk
Sat Sep 13 - Sun Sep 14 ? South Devon Railway: Heritage Transport Gala & Real Ale http://www.southdevonrailway.org
Sat Sep 13 - Sun Sep 14 ? Ecclesbourne Valley Railway: Wirksworth Festival Open Days http://www.e-v-r.com/
Tue Sep 16 1400 Crystal Palace High Level Branch
Inaugural, fully-guided, walk of 5.8 miles
Meet at Nunhead Station at 1400
Thu Sep 18 ? Hitchin Museum - Talk 'The Midland Railway and its Impact on Victorian Society' by Andrew Surry
Starts at 8.00pm
Sat Sep 20 1000-1600 Winchester Book Fair 2nd hand, rare, antiquarian and collectable books, maps, etc
The Saxon Suite, Winchester Guildhall 1000-1600
Sat Sep 20 1030-1530 Bristol Railway Collectors' Fair
Filton High School, New Road, Stoke Gifford 1030-1530 http://www.tobaz.co.uk
Sat Sep 20 - Sun Sep 21 ? Lincoln & District Model Engineering Society 75th Anniversary
Open Weekend, North Scarle Playing Fields near Lincoln http://www.lincolnmes.co.uk/
Sat Sep 20 - Sun Sep 21 ? Ecclesbourne Valley Railway: Wirksworth Festival Open Days http://www.e-v-r.com/
Sat Sep 20 - Sun Sep 21 ? Peak Rail: Diesel Weekend http://www.peakrail.co.uk/
Sat Sep 20 - Sun Sep 21 ? Plymouth Community Rail Festival http://www.greatscenicrailways.com/news/Programme.pdf
Sat Sep 20 - Sun Sep 21 1000 Middleton Railway: 250th Anniversary Gala Weekend
Trains will operate from 1000 to 1700, and the last train of each day will be an 'all-line' train running non-stop from the Balm Road loop to Middleton Park Halt http://www.middletonrailway.org.uk
Sun Sep 21 ? Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway: Transport Nostalgia Day http://www.gwsr.com
Sun Sep 21 1000 Carnforth Station Swapmeet
No buyers premium, all monies go to the upkeep of the station
The station is under cover and there is plenty of parking space
Public admitted 1000 until 1430
Admission: Adult: £1.00, Child: free
Sat Sep 27 - Sun Sep 28 1030-1700(Sat) 1000-1630(Sun) Christchurch Model Railway Club Annual Railway Exhibition
Bishop of Winchester School, Castle Lane, Bournemouth 1030-1700 (Sat), 1000-1630 (Sun)
Sat Sep 27 - Sun Sep 28 ? Isle of Wight Railway: Wine Festival http://www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk/
Sat Sep 27 - Sun Sep 28 1030-1800(Sat) 1000-1630(Sun) Scaleforum
The Leisure Centre, Guildford Rd, Leatherhead, Surrey 1030-1800 (Sat), 1000-1630 (Sun) http://www.scalefour.org
Sat Sep 27 - Sun Sep 28 ? Lynton & Barnstaple Railway: Autumn Steam Fayre http://www.lynton-rail.co.uk
Sat Sep 27 - Sun Sep 28 ? Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway: Children's Event http://www.gwsr.com
Sat Sep 27 - Sun Sep 28 ? Churnet Valley Railway: Scenic Railcar Weekend http://www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk/
Cheers, Howard. editor at raildate.co.uk (spam-proofed)
Previous issues of Raildate are at: http://steam.to/raildate
This page includes a master catalogue of items that have appeared in previous editions of Raildate.
(C) Howard Sprenger and Hursley Park Model Railway Society 2008.
The external edition of Raildate may be freely distributed without permission as long as no changes whatsoever are made to the original document distributed by the Editor. You can subscribe to the external edition here: http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/RAILDATE/

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